Product Confidential: The reality of PM life!

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Being a Product Manager is no easy job. There is so much information on how to do Product well, but we all know that the reality of executing on this is different. We’ll be bringing you a host of Product Managers to talk about the highs, and lows, of their career - and how they’ve overcome the challenges they’ve faced. So whether you’re looking to enter the PM career, learning how to overcome some of these challenges yourself, or just want to grab a bevvy and listen to a bit of PM therapy - we’re here for you. Hosted by Michael Palmer (BBC) & Evie Brockwell (Product Consultant & Coach)

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44 recent

April 9, 202628 min

E44 - Aligning discovery with delivery

In this episode, product expert, Dave Baines, discusses the discovery-delivery disconnect, exploring why teams often neglect discovery, signs of imbalance, and practical strategies to improve the integration of discovery into product development.Highlights includeDiscovery and delivery balanceSigns of imbalance in product teamsStrategies to integrate discovery into workflowsBridging the Discovery-Delivery Gap: Practical Strategies for Product TeamsUnlocking Impact: How Small Improvements in Discovery Can Transform Your ProductKey linksHyperactProduct Confidential PodcastJohn Cutler's Mandate LevelsMatt LeMay talk on product managementMarty Cagan's principles on discoveryLinkedIn

February 13, 202641 min

E43 | Approaches to product innovation in an AI world

In this conversation, Shreya Deora, a senior product manager, shares her journey from being an economist to a product manager, discussing the skills that have helped her in her role. She emphasizes the importance of innovation in product development, particularly through design sprints and the use of AI. Shreya highlights the need for a user-centered approach to innovation and the significance of storytelling in product management. The discussion also touches on the challenges of navigating organizational structures and the importance of stakeholder management.TakeawaysShreya transitioned into product management from an economics background.Her journey was somewhat accidental, highlighting the diverse paths into product roles.Domain expertise is beneficial but not essential for product management.Data analysis skills from her economist background have been crucial in her product role.Innovation should focus on new revenue streams and market opportunities.Design sprints can help avoid bureaucratic decision-making in large organizations.AI should be used to solve real user problems, not just for the sake of technology.Using AI as a creative partner can enhance the ideation process.Stakeholder management is key to successful product development.Iterative value demonstration is essential in changing organizational culture.

November 10, 202534 min

E42 | Navigating Self-Perception in Product Management

In this episode of Product Confidential, Michael Palmer interviews Caroline Clark, a product leadership coach and aspiring space psychologist, about the imposter phenomenon. They discuss its origins, manifestations, and the impact of self-perception and environmental factors, particularly in product management. Caroline shares insights on navigating imposter feelings, the importance of supportive environments, and strategies for coping. The conversation also explores the connection between space psychology and product management, emphasizing resilience and adaptability.TakeawaysImposter phenomenon is a common experience, affecting up to 95% of people.The term 'imposter syndrome' can pathologize individuals rather than address environmental factors.Self-perception plays a crucial role in feelings of being an imposter.Product managers often face unique pressures that can exacerbate imposter feelings.Creating supportive environments can help mitigate imposter feelings in the workplace.Open conversations about imposter feelings can foster connection and reduce isolation.Recognizing key trigger points for imposter feelings is essential for support.Individuals can benefit from reflecting on their achievements to combat imposter feelings.Strategies like breaking tasks into smaller steps can help manage perfectionism.The lessons from space psychology can inform leadership and teamwork in product management.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Imposter Phenomenon08:08The Cycle of Imposter Feelings15:51Navigating Imposter Feelings as a Product Manager22:08Supporting Teams to Combat Imposter Feelings26:59Linking Space Psychology and Product ManagementFind Caroline on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-clark-psychologist/

October 20, 202539 min

E41 | Navigating the Streaming Landscape: Insights from Industry Leaders

Join us in this insightful episode of Product Confidential as we dive deep into the world of streaming platforms with Stephen, a Senior Product Manager at Channel 4 Streaming. Discover the unique challenges and strategies involved in creating successful streaming platforms, balancing work-life dynamics, and the evolving media landscape.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction to Stephen and Michael's roles and backgrounds [03:00] Differences between streaming platforms and traditional product management [07:30] Challenges in releasing updates across multiple TV platforms [12:00] Strategies for balancing testing and learning in TV app development [18:00] Insights from BBC iPlayer's experimentation with new platforms [23:00] The importance of user research and phased releases [28:00] Device constraints and optimizing for different platforms [33:00] Work-life balance: Stephen's approach to compressed hours and mental health [40:00] The role of coaching in personal and professional development [45:00] Building a community for streaming product professionals [50:00] Advice for aspiring product managers in the streaming industry [55:00] Closing thoughts and recommendations for TV showsDon't miss out on future episodes filled with expert insights and practical advice. Subscribe now to stay updated and join our community of forward-thinking product enthusiasts!

September 29, 202547 min

E40 | Unlocking Product Delight: Insights from Tech Giants with Nesrine Changuel, PhD

In this enlightening episode, Evie Brockwell engages in a profound discussion with Nesrine Changuel, a seasoned product management leader with a wealth of experience from industry giants like Skype, Spotify, and Google. Nesrine shares her journey of discovering the power of emotional connection in product design, emphasizing the importance of creating products that not only meet functional needs but also resonate on an emotional level with users.You'll gain insights into how Nesrine's experiences at Spotify led her to understand the significance of motivational segmentation, a strategy that aligns product features with user desires and emotions. The conversation delves into the three pillars of delight: reducing friction, anticipating user needs, and exceeding expectations. You'll learn practical tips for implementing delight in both B2B and B2C contexts, with real-world examples of how companies have successfully integrated these principles into their products.02:38 Understanding Emotional Connection in Product Design 05:31 The Three Pillars of Delight08:33Common Misconceptions About Delight 11:26 Measuring the Impact of Delight14:16Applying Delight in B2B vs B2C17:05 Tangible Tips for Product Teams24:52 Understanding User Motivators28:07 The Delight Grid Framework29:03 The Importance of Inclusion in Product Design31:50 The 50-40-10 Model for Product Roadmaps35:49 Humanizing Products in the Age of AI41:10 Introducing 'Product Delight' BookSubscribe now to transform your product strategy with these insights.Important links:Product Delight Book: https://nesrine-changuel.com/product-delight-book/https://nesrinechanguel.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nesrinechanguel/?locale=en_US

September 22, 202547 min

E39 | Growth Hacking to Product-Led Success with Kate Syuma

In this episode, Evie Brockwell sits down with Kate Syuma, the former Head of Growth Design at Miro, to explore the evolution of growth strategies in the tech industry. Kate shares her journey from joining a small startup to leading a growth team in a billion-dollar company. They discuss the shift from traditional marketing to product-led growth, the role of AI in modern growth strategies, and the importance of user-centric design. Kate also offers practical advice for aspiring growth professionals and insights into the future of growth in a rapidly changing market.[00:11:42]Kate's journey into growth at Miro[00:23:49]The evolution of growth strategies[00:38:33]Product-led growth vs. traditional marketing[00:55:12]The role of AI in growth[01:12:45]User-centric design and its impact[01:30:00]Advice for aspiring growth professionals[01:45:00]Future trends in growthDon't miss out on the latest insights in growth and innovation! Subscribe to our podcast and stay updated with expert interviews and actionable strategies. Join us on this journey to unlock your growth potential!Follow Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekaterina-syuma/

September 8, 202532 min

E38 | Mastering Time Management: Insights from Steve Vorley

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Steve Vorley, Group Product Manager at Booking.com, to explore the art of time management and overcoming burnout. Steve shares his personal journey and practical strategies to reclaim control over your schedule, prioritize effectively, and enhance productivity. Whether you're a product manager or anyone juggling multiple responsibilities, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help you thrive in today's fast-paced world.Timestamps:00:00 - 02:00 - Introduction: Meet Steve Vorley, Group Product Manager at Booking.com 02:01 - 05:00 - The Origin of the Episode: From a Burnout Talk to a Podcast 05:01 - 10:00 - Common Challenges in Product Management: Time Management and Burnout 10:01 - 15:00 - Steve's Personal Experience with Burnout and Time Management 15:01 - 20:00 - The Importance of Prioritization and Focus Time 20:01 - 25:00 - Strategies for Effective Diary Management 25:01 - 30:00 - The Role of Virtual Meetings and Context Switching 30:01 - 35:00 - Building a Culture of Time Management: Leadership's Role 35:01 - 40:00 - Practical Tips for Product Managers: Saying No and Giving Feedback 40:01 - 45:00 - The Impact of COVID on Work Culture and Meetings 45:01 - 50:00 - Steve's Coaching and Mentorship Approach 50:01 - 55:00 - Reflections on Personal and Professional Growth 55:01 - 60:00 - Closing Thoughts and Future PlansDon't miss out on future episodes filled with expert insights and practical advice. Subscribe now and take the first step towards mastering your time and boosting your productivity!Find Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vorley-8b37a820/

August 18, 202552 min

E37 | Navigating Career Pivots and Personal Growth with Alex Wiley

Join Evie Brockwell in this insightful episode of Product Confidential as she sits down with Alex Wiley, a dynamic product designer with a rich career journey. From designing websites at 15 to leading a product department, Alex shares his experiences of career pivots, battling imposter syndrome, and finding true passion in product design. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck in their career and looking for inspiration to pursue what truly makes them happy.Timestamps:[00:00 - 02:00] Introduction: Evie introduces the episode and guest, Alex Wiley. [02:01 - 07:30] Early Career: Alex discusses his beginnings in website design and his transition to engineering. [07:31 - 15:00] Career Growth: Moving from engineer to head of product and the challenges faced. [15:01 - 22:00] Imposter Syndrome: Alex shares his experiences with imposter syndrome and how it influenced his career path. [22:01 - 30:00] Building a Product Department: The journey of creating a new department from scratch. [30:01 - 40:00] Personal Challenges: Alex talks about mental health struggles and the decision to make a career change. [40:01 - 50:00] Finding Passion: How Alex rediscovered his love for design and made the pivot to product design. [50:01 - 55:00] Lessons Learned: Reflections on personal growth and career insights. [55:01 - 60:00] Future Outlook: Alex discusses his current role and future aspirations.Find Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwileyy/Feeling inspired by Alex's journey? Subscribe to Product Confidential for more stories of transformation and growth. Don't miss out on our next episode—hit that follow button now!

July 29, 202549 min

E36 | What is a Full-Stack PM? & Landing a Product Role in the Current Market with Beks Yelland

In this episode of Product Confidential, join host Evie Brockwell and seasoned product management leader Beks Yelland as they explore the evolution of product management roles over the past two decades. From the early days of extensive documentation to the agile revolution and the rise of data-driven decision-making, Beks shares her insights on how the role has transformed. Discover how AI is reshaping the landscape and why embracing these changes is crucial for future success. Tune in for a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing today's product managers.TimestampsIntroduction and Guest Introduction (0:00 - 2:00)Evie Brockwell introduces Beks Yelland and outlines the topics to be discussed.Evolution of Product Management (2:01 - 10:00)Beks Yelland discusses the evolution of product management roles, including shifts from detailed documentation to Agile methodologies and the impact of data accessibility.AI and Fear in Product Roles (10:01 - 18:00)Discussion on the fear surrounding AI's impact on product roles and the importance of embracing AI as a tool for enhancement.Strategic Thinking and Role Evolution (18:01 - 25:00)Beks Yelland talks about the need for strategic thinking and how AI can free up time for more innovative work.Job Market Challenges and Advice (25:01 - 35:00)Exploration of current job market challenges and advice on navigating job searches.Community and Support Initiatives (35:01 - 45:00)Beks Yelland discusses the communities she founded, focusing on mental health and support for product professionals.Conclusion and Final Thoughts (45:01 - End)Evie Brockwell wraps up the episode, thanking Beks for her insights and encouraging listeners to engage with the communities mentioned.Ready to transform your product management career? Tune in to our latest episode with Beks Yelland and discover how to navigate the evolving landscape of product management. Don't miss out on expert insights and actionable advice. Listen now and subscribe for more episodes that keep you ahead of the curve!Follow Beks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyyelland/

July 7, 202542 min

035 | Navigating the Job Market: Insights from a Career Coach

From Pandemic Setback to Google PM: Gabor’s Playbook for Career ComebacksIn this inspiring episode of Product Confidential, Michael Palmer sits down with Gabor Mayer, a Google product manager and career coach, to unpack his incredible journey from pandemic-era unemployment to landing a coveted role at Google. Gabor shares real talk on job hunting, why LinkedIn visibility matters more than ever, and powerful tips to stand out in today’s crowded market. Whether you're job hunting, pivoting careers, or just feeling stuck, this episode is packed with honest advice, CV hacks, and motivation to keep going. Your next big break might be closer than you think.Perfect for: Aspiring PMs, career changers, and anyone navigating the job search grind.Chapters00:00 Navigating Career Challenges During COVID-1907:46 Lessons Learned from Unemployment15:17 Current Job Market Insights and Trends27:24 Mastering the Interview Process39:53 Future Projects and Resources for Job SeekersFind Gabor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayergabor/